Things to do in St. Petersburg in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit St. Petersburg. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 42—60°F (6—15°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in St. Petersburg during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to Peter and Paul Fortress, attend a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, explore the Summer Garden, and more!

St. Petersburg has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to St. Petersburg. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in St. Petersburg in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in St. Petersburg in May

Top experiences in May
Take a day trip to Peter and Paul Fortress
Located on an island in the Neva River, Peter and Paul Fortress is a historic landmark that is worth a visit in May. The fortress was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and served as a military stronghold and political prison. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction with its impressive cathedral, museums, and scenic waterfront views. You can also take a guided tour to learn about the fortress's role in Russian history and see the final resting place of many members of the Romanov dynasty. It's a fascinating and educational day trip from St. Petersburg.
Attend a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre
The Mariinsky Theatre is one of the most famous opera and ballet houses in the world, and attending a performance there is a truly special experience. In May, the theatre hosts a variety of productions, ranging from classic ballets to contemporary operas. The theatre itself is a beautiful and historic building, and the performances are top-notch, featuring world-class dancers and musicians. Whether you're a fan of the performing arts or simply want to experience a night of culture in St. Petersburg, a visit to the Mariinsky Theatre is not to be missed.
Explore the Summer Garden
The Summer Garden is a beautiful park in the heart of St. Petersburg, and May is a great time to visit as the trees and flowers are in full bloom. The garden was designed by Peter the Great and features formal gardens, sculptures, and a large collection of rare plants. It's a peaceful and scenic place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The Summer Garden is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it's a great way to experience the city's green spaces.
Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the most iconic landmarks in St. Petersburg, and May is a great time to visit as the weather is pleasant for exploring the city on foot. The church is known for its colorful onion domes and intricate mosaics, and it stands on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with its ornate decorations and religious artwork. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Russian history and architecture.
Explore the Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, and May is a great time to visit as the crowds are smaller than during the peak summer months. The museum's collection includes works by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo, as well as an impressive array of decorative arts and antiquities. You could easily spend an entire day exploring the museum's vast collection, and it's a must-see for anyone with an interest in art and history.
Visit the Peterhof Palace and Gardens
May is a great time to visit the Peterhof Palace and Gardens, as the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. The palace is known for its stunning architecture and opulent interiors, while the gardens feature fountains, sculptures, and manicured lawns. The highlight of the visit is the Grand Cascade, a series of fountains and water features that is truly impressive to behold. It's a great way to spend a day outside of the city and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Russian royalty.
Take a boat tour of the canals and rivers
St. Petersburg is often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its network of canals and rivers. In May, the weather is pleasant, and taking a boat tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You'll pass by historic buildings, beautiful bridges, and charming waterfronts, all while learning about the city's rich history and architecture from a knowledgeable guide. It's a relaxing and scenic way to explore St. Petersburg and appreciate its unique layout.
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Holidays in St. Petersburg in May
May
  • Spring and Labor Day (April 28May 1)
  • Victory Day (May 910)
  • Spring and Labor Day (May 1)
  • Victory Day (May 9)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in St. Petersburg in May

Temperatures on an average day in St. Petersburg in May

The average temperature in St. Petersburg in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 60°F (15°C) to a low of 42°F (6°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in St. Petersburg, July, has days with highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 20°F (-7°C) and lows of 11°F (-12°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in St. Petersburg in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
60°F
highs
42°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
28%
Chance of rain
0.093 in
Amount
10.5 mph
Wind speed
74%
Humidity
17.1 hrs
Daylight length
4:23 AM
Sunrise
9:27 PM
Sunset
44%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 60°F (15°C) and a low of 42°F (6°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for St. Petersburg in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities St. Petersburg has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in St. Petersburg that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in St. Petersburg for May.
State Hermitage Museum
1. State Hermitage Museum
4.8
(58360)
Art museum
Museums
Museum founded by Catherine the Great, housing huge collections of art, culture & antiquities.
Savior on the Spilled Blood
2. Savior on the Spilled Blood
4.8
(36656)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Gleaming mosaics & marble line this richly decorated 1880s church topped with colorful onion domes.
Peterhof
3. Peterhof
4.8
(80368)
Museum
Park
Seafront museum complex in former royal palace surrounded by parkland known for its many fountains.
St. Isaac's Cathedral
4. St. Isaac's Cathedral
4.9
(48416)
Cathedral
Museums
1818 Russian Orthodox cathedral & museum with gold-plated dome & an opulent, multicolored interior.
Catherine Park
5. Catherine Park
4.8
(21434)
Park
Nature & Parks
Tree-filled urban park on the site of a former nobleman's estate with ponds & walking paths.
Palace Square
6. Palace Square
4.9
(87982)
Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
St. Petersburg's central square contains Alexander Column marking victory over Napoleon's armies.
Peter and Paul Fortress
7. Peter and Paul Fortress
4.8
(45042)
Fortress
Museums
Founded by Peter the Great, this fortress contains a museum about the early city & a cathedral.
Nevsky pr.
8. Nevsky pr.
4.8
(482)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Principal thoroughfare of St. Petersburg, home to landmark palaces, churches & shops.
Faberge Museum
9. Faberge Museum
4.8
(13958)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Museum in an 18th-century palace displaying art, jewelry & Fabergé eggs made for Russian emperors.
Kazan Cathedral
10. Kazan Cathedral
4.9
(32225)
Cathedral
Museums
The mother cathedral for the city, this elegant church was made a museum during Communist times.
The State Russian Museum, Mikhailovsky Palace
11. The State Russian Museum, Mikhailovsky Palace
4.8
(15806)
Art museum
Museums
Fine-art museum, opened in 1898, with a vast collection of Russian paintings, sculptures & icons.
Yusupov Palace
12. Yusupov Palace
4.8
(11465)
Museum
Concerts & Shows
Elegant former palace of noble families, now a museum & cultural space with luxurious rooms.
Morskoy Sobor Svyatitelya Nikolaya Chudotvortsa
13. Morskoy Sobor Svyatitelya Nikolaya Chudotvortsa
4.9
(18399)
Russian Orthodox church
Sights & Landmarks
This Russian Orthodox cathedral was built in the early 20th century as the navy's primary church.
Scientific Archives of the State Museum-Reserve "Peterhof" |
14. Scientific Archives of the State Museum-Reserve "Peterhof" |
4.4
(27)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Storehouse & research library in an 18th-century palace complex, with a striking dome & gold spire.
Grand Maket Russia
15. Grand Maket Russia
4.8
(24245)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Huge working miniature exhibit of Russia, with scenes of human life plus moving rail & road routes.
Mariinsky Theatre
16. Mariinsky Theatre
Building
Concerts & Shows

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in St. Petersburg?

Get inspired for your trip to St. Petersburg with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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